Board OKs contract to fix elementary school's masonry

The Susquenita School Board has approved a $315,773 contract with Weatherproofing Technologies Inc. to restore masonry restoration work around windows at the district’s elementary school.

Board member Robert Finnen felt part of the reason the restoration was necessary was due to what he assessed as poor workmanship during the 2001 restoration. He noted that the school is built on what used to be a swamp, which also might be a contributing factor.

Board member Bryon Eppley said the work was urgently needed as the deterioration has become a safety issue. He also noted doing the work now would prolong the use of the building.

Superintendent Kent Smith said that for safety reasons the work will not be done while students are in the building.

The board also agreed to make repairs to the school’s tennis courts. Smith said he had “an extremely productive” meeting July 18 regarding the issue.

Estimates for the work range from $22,568 to $25,568, depending on how much resurfacing is needed. The motion passed 7-1, with Phillip Lehman dissenting. Board member Michael Jones was absent.

Smith also noted that if settling problems recur, the district will not continually do repairs, and that in hindsight it probably wasn’t best to place the courts over the geo-thermal system. Repairs could also be scrapped if moving equipment in to do the work causes additional settlement.

The estimated cost of relocating the tennis facilities is roughly $100,000, and Smith said the district will not pursue that option even if the current courts can’t be repaired.

Several board members expressed concerns about proposed amendments to Policy 707, which pertains to setting fees for use of the district’s facilities by outside groups.

Lehman felt several of the district’s fees were out of line compared to other area districts. For example, the district charges up to $1,500 for use of the auditorium, while most others charge around $200. The $400 per hour rate for use of the lights at the football stadium compares with others who charge as little as $7 an hour.

Finnen responded that he felt the fee structures would be in line if compared to renting similar facilities in the private market. He felt the fees were particularly justified if the renter was a for-profit entity.

Board member Robert Staver asked for a break-even analysis on the items before seting any final fees.

Tennis court repairs to cost about $25,000.

Smith stated he heard the board’s concerns and that it sounded like they want to make the facilities available to the public while not losing money or costing taxpayers in the process. He announced the committee proposing the changes will reconvene to re-examine the issue.

Wendy Marshall and Terri Aunspach reported that work on the band booster concession stand is progressing. Underground plumbing is being installed, and a concrete slab should be poured in early August. It then will take about three weeks to complete masonry work.

They noted the stand may not be ready for the Aug. 31 home opener against Newport, but it should be finished before the season is over. The current concession shed will be kept as a backup.

The board also handled 15 personnel matters (10 hirings, three resignations and two status changes).

Juanieta Carpenter was upgraded from substitute support staff to a full-fledged cafeteria worker, and Mary Stees is a full-time secretary instead of an instructional aide.

The board approved a contract with Precious Little Angels of Duncannon for daycare/latchkey services at a rate of $53 per day.

A contract with Yellow Breeches Educational Center Inc. of Carlisle also was approved. The amount the district will spend with the facility for the upcoming school year will not exceed $92,640.

District lunch prices are going up 10 cents. The new rates are $1.95 for elementary students and $2.20 for secondary students. The move is necessary for the district to stay eligible for federal reimbursement.

School board meetings will be on the second Tuesday of the month, with the exception of Dec. 3 and June 25.

Finally, high school principal Craig Funk announced an open house at the high school on Aug. 16. The function is targeted for rising freshmen and new students, but all district students may attend.

He also thanked the custodial staff for excellent work in getting the school ready for the return of the teachers.